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Spartanburg Chefs Help the March of Dimes raise $117,000 for Healthier Babies!

On October 10, 2013, more than 350 guests savored the signature dishes of Spartanburg’s top chefs during the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, held at the Marriott. The evening celebrated the 75th anniversary of the organization and included a cocktail reception and gourmet samplings from area restaurants while guests bid on silent auction items. A live auction of culinary and travel packages followed.

This event hosted the second annual Excellence in Medicine Award honoring Dr. John R. Scott of the Woman’s Clinic. Serving the Spartanburg community in obstetrics and gynecology for 31 years, he has delivered thousands of babies. He was one of the first physicians in Spartanburg to introduce epidural anesthesia and also one of the first to introduce laparoscopic surgery. He has always had a special interest in infertility and has helped many couples achieve a pregnancy.

Guests were moved by a first-hand account of the impact the March of Dimes has had on the O’Sullivan family from Spartanburg. After experiencing the loss of their triplets, they questioned if they could have done more and sooner. Their daughter, Avery, was born with breathing difficulties as well, but luckily after 24 hours in the Special Care Unit she was able to come home and is healthy today. They also have adopted a healthy boy, Isaac.

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, including nearly 9,000 babies in South Carolina. On November 1, the March of Dimes will issue the annual report card on Premature Birth, giving the nation and each state a letter grade based upon prematurity rates. Last year, South Carolina received a “D” grade and the state ranked among highest prematurity rates in the nation.

“Thanks to the generous support of the participating restaurants, event sponsors and attendees, the March of Dimes raised more than $117,000 to support lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at giving every baby a healthy start in life. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated to this year’s Signature Chefs Auction so the March of Dimes can continue working for stronger, healthier babies,” said Dr. Gabriel O’Sullivan, event chairman.

Participating restaurants included: II Samuels, Back Porch, City Range, John’s Café & Catering/The Wilkins House, Morrisons, Sparks Fire-Inspired Grille, Spartanburg Community College Culinary Students, Sugah Cakes, and The Farmer’s Table. The guests voted on their favorite stations and The Farmer’s Table took home the award for Best Taste, while Morrison’s won for Best Presentation.

Each year, the South Carolina March of Dimes invests in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes continues to strive to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.

In 2013, the March of Dimes celebrates its 75th Anniversary and its ongoing work to help babies get a healthy start in life. Early research led to the Salk and Sabin polio vaccines that all babies still receive. Other breakthroughs include new treatments for premature infants and children with birth defects. About four million babies are born each year in the United States, and all have benefitted from March of Dimes lifesaving research and education. For more information visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina.